Bottoms Up

Texas distillery's limited-edition whiskey toasts Hill Country legend

Raise a glass to the greats.

Photo courtesy of Balcones Distilling

One Texas icon is paying homage to another with the newest limited-edition whiskey from Balcones Distilling.

Luckenbach Texas Whisky is the latest release in Balcones' Texas Originals Series, which combines one-of-a-kind flavors and ingredients, all from the Lone Star State. The first whiskey is this series was made in partnership with Spoetzl Brewery.

Made from Texas-grown and malted barley, the whiskey is aged at least 36 months and then finished in dessert wine casks, courtesy of William Chris Vineyards in Hye, Texas, right down the road from the world-famous Luckenbach bar and dance hall.

"Luckenbach is a living legend throughout Texas and beyond," says Balcones head distiller Jared Himstedt in a release. "We're thrilled to create a whiskey that is the true definition of Texas-made, featuring Texas-grown ingredients and flavors. We can’t wait to share Luckenbach Texas Whisky with Texans near and far."

Nestled deep in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Luckenbach was established in 1849 and is known around the world as "the center of the universe." It regularly hosts top country music artists such as Willie Nelson, in addition to local up-and-comers.

The single-malt whiskey starts with an oily and inviting nose, with big, rich notes of orange cinnamon rolls, cardamom, rosewater, and oiled leather. The sweet palate unfolds with expressive notes of blood orange pound cake, peach cobbler, and orange blossom honey that are balanced by a zippy, acidic finish, showcasing more citrus zest, bergamot, toasted coconut, and soft cinnamon.

"At Luckenbach, history and music are served daily, so it’s only natural that we celebrate our Texas roots with The Original Texas Whisky," says Luckenbach Texas, Inc. president Kit Patterson. "Luckenbach Texas Whisky embodies the authentic and rich heritage of Balcones and Luckenbach, made by people who aren’t bound by what has already been done, but pride themselves on creating an expression that is unique, personal, and loved for all the right reasons. We invite everyone to grab a chair and pour up a glass of this incredible whiskey."

Luckenbach Texas Whisky retails for $59.99 and is available for purchase only at Balcones Distillery in Waco for a limited time.

cocktails hill-country

Happy New Year

12 top ways ring in 2025 in San Antonio

San Antonio Parks Foundation / Facebook

Several San Antonio hotels, restaurants and bars will offer special menus and events on New Year's Eve..

While San Antonians are preparing Christmas festivities, there are plenty of New Year’s Eve celebrations to look forward to. Events are being offered at local restaurants, bars, and hotels, where partygoers can enjoy lots of activities and amenities to welcome 2025.

Read each listing carefully for a full scope of events; some locations include multiple venues with multiple offerings.

Kimpton Santo Hotel
431 S. Alamo St.
Tenfold Rooftop at one of San Antonio’s newest high-end hotels will have a black-and-white party for New Year's Eve. Interested guests can choose between a pre-party and a midnight party, with ticket options of general admission or VIP tables for four. Price varies between $100 to $1,800 based on the chosen party and ticket option. The pre-party is from 3-7:30 pm, and the midnight party goes from 8 pm to 1 am.

General admission includes small plates from the restaurant’s 10x Tour menu, complimentary coat check, and a DJ. The VIP table option adds cocktail service and a complimentary bottle of champagne.

Additionally, Dean’s Steak & Seafood is celebrating the new year by extending brunch service from December 28 through January 1.

Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar
722 S. St. Mary’s St.
The "Toast from the Top" celebration at Rosario's begins at 8 pm when patrons can enjoy music by DJ Steven Lee Moya, a photo booth, and rooftop views of the downtown fireworks. Individual tickets are $125 and include rooftop lounge access, a midnight champagne toast, party favors, a cash bar, and midnight bites.

Guests may also reserve a table for six for $800, which includes six individual tickets, reserved seating, a bottle of premium champagne, and all individual ticket amenities. For larger groups, a reserved table for eight is available for $1,050, offering the same perks with eight individual tickets and a bottle of premium champagne.

Tickets for Rosario’s New Year’s Eve celebration are now available on Eventbrite.

Pullman Market
221 Newell Ave.
These four new Pearl-area eateries are offering their own special menu options and experiences for New Year’s Eve revelers. Isidore will provide a variety of dining experiences. In the main dining room, Isidore will have a tasting experience highlighting locally sourced ingredients. The menu will feature seven courses for $140 per person, with an optional $75-per-person wine pairing. Reservations are available via OpenTable.

The bar at Isidore will also serve a special à la carte menu for the evening. Additionally, guests can enjoy an Old Fashioned and Martini cart, and a champagne tower at midnight.

Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph of Nicosi is going to roll out a two-hour experience combining the delectables served at the dessert bar with dishes available at his Austin Caribbean restaurant, Canje. Seatings are available at 5 pm, 7:30 pm and 10 pm, and are available to reserve on OpenTable. The experience is $120 per person with an optional $60 wine and cocktail pairings add-on.

Mezquite will have menu specials available while guests can enjoy live mariachi music from 6-9 pm and a DJ from 9 pm to midnight. Reservations are available on OpenTable and walk-ins are also encouraged.

Fife & Farro will have a special menu of pizzas and champagne to-go.

Copa Wine Bar
19141 Stone Oak Pkwy., Suite 704
This Stone Oak wine bar will offer a prix fixe menu from 5-9 pm on December 31. The menu will consist of three courses, including a previous menu item beloved by customers: frites. Copa's regular menu will also be available to enjoy.

Indulge Wine Bar
21 Truss Dr., Boerne
Indulge will present a prix fixe dinner to ring in the new year, with offerings such as salmon crudo served on beet rounds with herbed labneh; a winter soup with carrot, apple, fennel, and prosciutto; and a duck pastilla filled with duck confit, accompanied by a mini salad and demi-glace. Cap off the night with a blackberry tiramisu. Wine pairings for each course will be suggested, and select bottles of sparkling wine will be available at 25 percent off the retail price.

Evil Olive Bar
2950 Thousand Oaks Dr., Ste. 4
Partygoers can greet 2025 at a disco-themed bash from 8 pm to 2 am on December 31. There will be live music, a complimentary champagne toast, and festive favors at midnight, all for a $20 cover charge. For VIP treatment, reserve a table. Bartop seats are available for $25 each, with a bottle of champagne and favors for $100.

Thirsty Horse Saloon
2335 N.W. Military Hwy.
This Castle Hills-area dance hall will have a New Year’s Eve party featuring live music, a $2,025 cash drawing, $100 giveaways every 15 minutes, and free party favors. General admission tickets are $10-15. VIP tables are available for reservation.

Upstage Comedy Lounge
4441 Walzem Rd.
This Northeast Side bar will offer a free evening of live music, comedy and poetry on New Year’s Eve, starting at 9 pm.

san antonio new years eve